By Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

MILLIGAN, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lady Lion volleyball team came up just short during opening day at the Milligan Mountain Madness, extending both games to five sets a piece, before falling to Reinhardt and Shawnee State University.

FHU began the first match on Friday taking a comfortable lead to Reinhardt, winning the first two sets (25-22, 25-17). However, the Eagles would come back and win the next two sets (25-15, 25-22) extending the match to a fifth set, where Reinhardt closed it out with a 16-14 match win.

Allie Moss led the attack for the Lady Lions with 19 kills while Amanda Cunningham added 10. Michelle Bennett, who led the team in service aces last season (41) continued her strong play with three points off serves. Emily Humphry led the way in assists with 23.

The Lady Lions faced Shawnee State University in the second game of the invitational- a match reminiscent of the first game with Reinhardt. FHU dropped two close sets early in the match (25-23, 25-20) before regrouping and taking the next two sets (25-23, 25-15). Similar to the first match, the game was extended to a fifth set where the Bears closed it out 15-13.

Allie Moss continued her strong play in the second match, leading the Lady Lions with 19 kills followed by Kiyla Glasper (15) and Daymari Brito (12). Libero Michelle Bennett had 24 defensive digs and added another service ace in the second match. Emily Humphry led the way in assists (24) followed by Sara Denton (23).

Todd, Humphry, head coach for the Lady Lions, said he is pleased with the way his team played despite the losses in the first day.

"Both matches were very tight games," he said. "Even with the outcome today, I believe we are an improved team this year. I like the effort and chemistry of the girls and we will continue to improve throughout the season."

FHU wraps up play at the Milligan Mountain Madness on Saturday facing University of Pikeville (Ky.) at 12:00 PM followed by Milligan (Tenn.) at 2:00 PM.